Diagnostic and prognostic impact of preoperative thrombocytosis in muscle invasive bladder cancer: Any role in clinical practice?

BACKGROUND: Since earlier research suggested a link between preoperative thrombocytosis and poor oncological outcomes in several cancers, the significance of platelet count abnormalities in bladder carcinoma (BC) demands for further investigation. OBJECTIVE: To assess the prognostic value of preoperative thrombocytosis (PTC) on survival in patients with bladder carcinoma treated by radical cystectomy (RC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Analytical cohort comprised a single-center series of 299 patients who underwent RC for bladder carcinoma was evaluated. A platelet count beyond the threshold of 400 × 109 /L was considered thrombocytosis. Along with the Kaplan-Meier survival probability, cox proportional hazard regression models were used. RESULTS: Twenty-eight (9.4%) patients had preoperative thrombocytosis. PTC was associated with gender, tumor stage, tumor grade, lymphovascular invasion, hydronephrosis, anemia (p < 0.001), and hypoalbuminemia (p < 0.001). Preoperative thrombocytosis was strongly linked to worse overall survival (OS) (p = 0.002), and cancer specific survival (CSS) (p = 0.004), according to the Kaplan-Meier method. Throughout the follow-up, a total of 198 (66.2%) patients died, including 170 (56.9%) from BC. For this study population 5-year CSS was 45.8%. Preoperative thrombocytosis was not independently associated with OS (HR 1.168; 95% CI 0.740-1.844; p = 0.504) or CSS (HR 1.060; 95% CI 0.649-1.730; p = 0.816) in multivariate Cox regression analysis. Only tumor stage (HR 2.558; 95% CI 1.675-3.908; p < 0.001), hydronephrosis (HR 1.614; 95% CI 1.173-2.221; p = 0.003), lymph node metastasis (HR 1.555; 95% CI 1.076-2-2.248; p = 0.019), anemia (HR 1.454; 95% CI 1.034-2.046; p = 0.032) and ASA grade (HR 1.375; 95% CI 1.006-1.879; p = 0.046) were independently associated with CSS. CONCLUSIONS: In a single-center study of consecutive patients who underwent radical cystectomy for bladder cancer, preoperative thrombocytosis was unable to predict outcomes.

Double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial on the effect of L-carnitine and L-acetylcarnitine on sperm parameters in men with idiopathic oligoasthenozoospermia.

Carnitine is essential for energy metabolism and spermatozoa maturation. Combining L-carnitine and L-acetylcarnitine with micronutrients has been investigated as a treatment for infertility in men. We evaluated the effects of a therapeutic formulation, Proxeed Plus, on sperm parameters in oligoasthenozoospermic men. This prospective, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial involved 175 males (19-44 years) with idiopathic oligoasthenozoospermia who failed to impregnate their partners (12 months). Males received Proxeed Plus or placebo for 3 and 6 months. Sperm volume, progressive motility and vitality significantly (p < 0.001) improved after 6 months compared to baseline. Sperm DNA fragmentation index significantly decreased compared to baseline (p < 0.001) and the 3-month therapy (p = 0.014) in treated men. Increased seminal carnitine and α-glucosidase concentration also positively correlated with improved progressive motility. Decreased DNA fragmentation index was the good predictor of progressive sperm motility >10%, and simultaneous measurement of changes in sperm vitality and DNA fragmentation index gave the highest probability of sperm motility 10% (AUC = 0.924; 95% CI = 0.852-0.996; p < 0.001). Logistic regression analyses revealed DNA fragmentation index decrease as the only independent predictor of sperm motility 10% (OR = 1.106; p = 0.034). We have demonstrated the beneficial effects of carnitine derivatives on progressive motility, vitality and sperm DNA fragmentation. Combining metabolic and micronutritive factors is beneficial for male infertility.

Clinicopathological and fluorescence in situ hibridisation analysis of primary testicular diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: a single-centre case series.

Primary testicular diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (PT-DLBCL) represents a rare and aggressive extranodal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) with some specific features that differ from other NHLs. Formalin fixed, paraffin wax embedded (FFPE) samples of 21 PT-DLBCLs and 30 comparative patients with DLBCL were analysed. All PT-DLBCL patients were treated with rituximab-containing regimens, intrathecal prophylaxis (10 patients), and irradiation of the contralateral testis (9 patients). FFPE samples were additionally analysed by immunohistochemistry (Bcl-2, c-Myc protein expression) and fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) (BCL2 and MYC). The patients with PT-DLBCL (median age 48.5 years), had low frequency of B symptoms (28.6%) and were often diagnosed in I and II Ann Arbor clinical stage (66.0%). The majority of PT-DLBCL (80.9%) had a non-germinal centre B-cell-like immunophenotype. Immunohistochemical staining showed increased c-Myc protein expression in the PT-DLBCL group compared to the control group (p = 0.016). MYC rearrangement was detected in 1 of 14 (7.0%), and MYC amplification in 3 of 14 (21.0%) patients. One of the 14 cases (7.0%) in the PT DLBCL group showed BCL2 rearrangement, and four of 14 (28.05%) cases showed BCL2 amplification. Complete remission (CR) was achieved in 75.0% of PT-DLBCL patients who had superior survival compared to those who did not achieve CR (median 48 vs. 21 months, p = 0.012). Patients with PT-DLBCL express some immunohistochemical, biological, and clinical features that might differentiate them from nodal and extranodal DLBCL patients, indicating the need for a more personalised treatment approach.

Testis sparing surgery for treatment of small testicular lesions: Is it feasible even in germ cell tumors?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the results of testis-sparing surgery (TSS) in patients, with small testicular lesions and a normal contralateral testicle. METHODS: In all, 28 patients were treated with TSS for small testicular lesions and a normal contralateral testicle. TSS was considered in patients with testicular lesions smaller than 2 cm and no evidence of metastatic disease. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 35.3 ± 7.3 years, while the mean diameter of the testicular lesions was 11.4 ± 3.7 mm. After pathological examination, 18 patients (64.3%) were diagnosed with stromal tumors and miscellaneous lesions, while 10 (35.7%) had a germ cell tumor. The median follow-up time for the former group was 33 months and no recurrences were observed. In one patient with germ cell tumor, immediate orchiectomy was performed, while the remaining nine were followed-up (median time, 45 months). One patient developed local recurrence after 39 months. CONCLUSIONS: Excellent outcomes for benign lesions could be achieved using TSS. TSS could be offered safely in highly selected patients with germ cell tumors, specifically within a clinical trial but there is more data needed regarding the potential risks and benefits. J. Surg. Oncol. 2017;115:287-290. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Testis sparing surgery in the treatment of bilateral testicular germ cell tumors and solitary testicle tumors: A single institution experience.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To assess the oncologic and functional outcomes of testicular sparing surgery (TSS) based on a single institution experience. METHODS: Forty-one patients with bilateral and 3 patients with solitary testicle tumors were referred to our institution. The inclusion criteria for TSS were normal serum testosterone levels, and tumor size (<2 cm). Sperm analysis and hormone status evaluation were performed preoperatively and postoperatively. None of the patients underwent local radiation therapy following TSS for reasons of fertility preservation. RESULTS: A total of 26 TSS were performed in 24 patients. The median follow-up period was 51.0 months. Seven patients developed local recurrence, of which 5 had TIN and were subjected to radical orchiectomy, whereas re-do TSS was done in remaining 2 patients. The overall survival of the study group was 100%, and the presence of testicular intraepithelial neoplasia (TIN) was associated with worse recurrence-free survival (P=0.031, log-rank). Testosterone values were normal in all of the patients, while 4 patients achieved conception. CONCLUSIONS: TSS is acceptable from an oncological point of view, and it enables continuation of a patient's life without lifelong hormonal substitution. Additionally, local irradiation therapy could be delayed in patients with TIN who wish to father children, but with high local recurrence rate.

Multifocality in Testicular Cancer: Clinicopathological Correlations and Prognostic Implications.

There are limited data regarding the significance of multifocality in testicular cancer patients. This study evaluated the relationship between multifocality and clinicopathological features determined at the time of radical orchiectomy. The study involved 280 consecutive patients who underwent radical orchiectomy between 2018 and 2023. Multifocality was defined as a distinct tumor focus characterized by a group of malignant cells > 1 mm, clearly differentiated from the primary tumor mass. Uni- and multivariate logistic regression analyses were employed to investigate the association between multifocality and histopathological parameters along with potential risk factors for clinical stages II + III. Multifocality was identified in 44 (15.7%) patients. Significantly smaller primary tumors were observed in subjects with multifocality (20.0 mm vs. 30.0 mm, p = 0.0001), while those exhibiting monofocality presented a markedly elevated rate of tumors exceeding 4 cm (40.3% vs. 18.2%, p = 0.005). Furthermore, multifocality was associated with a significantly higher rate of primary tumors < 2 cm (52.3% vs. 29.2%, p = 0.003). Univariate logistic regression analysis revealed a substantial decrease in the likelihood of multifocality occurrence in seminoma patients with tumors > 4 cm (OR = 0.38, p = 0.017). Meanwhile, in multivariate logistic regression, multifocality did not emerge as a significant risk factor for clinical stages II + III in either seminoma (p = 0.381) or non-seminoma (p = 0.672) cases. Our study suggests that multifocality holds no substantial prognostic relevance for clinically advanced disease in testicular cancer patients. The findings indicate that multifocality is associated with smaller primary tumors, particularly those measuring less than 2 cm.

Health-related quality of life, depression, and sexual function in testicular cancer survivors in a developing country: a Serbian experience.

PURPOSE: The aims of this study were to assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL), depression, adverse physical symptoms, and sexual function within Serbian long-term testicular cancer survivors (TCS) and to address cultural specificity. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study involving 202 TCS, followed up after platinum-based chemotherapy. The HRQoL was measured using the Short Form 36 and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life questionnaire. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was used to explore general depressive status while sexual function was assessed using a nine-item questionnaire. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time since treatment was 47.3 ± 26.8 months. The highest values of the SF-36 scales were obtained for physical functioning, and the lowest SF-36 values were obtained for vitality. Age of patients and BDI scores statistically significantly influenced total quality of life. The mean score of the whole sample on the BDI-II was 4.0. Age is the only statistically significant risk factor for the development of depression. A total of 27.3% TCS reported decreased sexual function compared to the period before treatment. Any level of impairment of erectile function was reported by 20.8% patients and problems with ejaculation by 25.7% patients. Loss of desire was reported by 17.3% TCS. The presence of sexual problems statistically significantly lowered scores of SF-36 domains. CONCLUSION: Sexual problems seriously impaired HRQoL in TCS. Additionally, HRQoL was also affected by age, depression, and fatigue. Serbian TCS achieved high levels of SF-36 scores, and these results are comparable to studies conducted in developed countries.

Correlation of the body mass index and calcium nephrolithiasis in adult population.

INTRODUCTION: Prevalence of the kidney stones (renal calculi) increase in several countries in parallel with the increase of overweight, diabetes (type 2 diabetes) and hypertension. GOAL: The goal of our research was to evaluate the connection between the calcium nephrolithiasis and overweight, as quantified using the Body Mass Index (BMI) of the adult population, with a particular reflection on the age groups within it. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The research was prospective and it was implemented at the Clinical Center of Banja Luka, at the Urology Clinic in the period from 1(st) April 2012 to 1(st) January 2013. The trial encompassed 120 patients with calcium nephrolithiasis of the upper part of the urinary tract and 120 patients without nephrolithiasis. A group of patients with the calcium nephrolithiasis presented a working group, while a group of patients without nephrolithiasis presented a control group. The BMI obtained on the basis of bodily weight and height of the patient, where the age and sex of specific reference values of the BMI were developed by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) were not used in the calculation of the BMI. RESULTS: Analyzing the values of the BMI in relation to age groups, where there was a statistically significant difference in the working group, whereas in the control group there was a statistically high significant difference, testing of statistical significance of the average value of the BMI was done by observed age groups of working and control group, as well as to the total sample of work and control group using the Chi-Square test and T-test for independent samples. Having observed the age group of 20-40 years, statistically significant differences have been noted at the level of risk of 10%, which confirms that there is a connection between the categories of the BMI and the group, which the patient comes from (Chi-Square test p-0.05), that is, T-test has shown that the values are different at the level of 10%, i.e. p<0.1 (p=0.073). Having observed the age group 40-60, there was no dependency between the category of the BMI and the group, that is, the differences are not statistically significant, p>0.05 (t-test p=0.314). In addition to this, the average BMI values are not significantly different, p>0.05 (t-test p=0.871). Having observed the age group of the older than 60, there was no dependency between the category of the BMI and the group, that is, the differences are not statistically significant, p>0.05 (Chi-square test p=0.167). Having observed the total sample of the working and control group, there was no dependency of the category of the BMI and the group (or urolithiasis), p>0.05 (Chi-Square test p=1.208), whereas the results of the T-test showed that there was no statistically significant difference of the arithmetic mean values of the BMI working group and control group, p>0.05 (t-test p=0.620). CONCLUSION: Overweight in younger age groups of adult population may be connected to the occurrence of calcium nephrolithiasis, thus we suggest that urolithiasis should be considered with them, as part of overweight, by which a change of living habits and the manner of food consumption could prevent this disease.

Role of Healthcare Professionals and Sociodemographic Characteristics in COVID-19 Vaccination Acceptance among Uro-Oncology Patients: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study.

At the time when mass COVID-19 vaccination began, providing appropriate vaccination advice to uro-oncology patients became a challenge. This was a single-center cross-sectional observational study aimed to investigate the rate of COVID-19 vaccination among uro-oncology patients receiving systemic therapy for metastatic renal cell carcinoma and metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. Furthermore, we aimed to assess patients' attitudes and identify factors influencing their decision to vaccinate against COVID-19. Data on patients' sociodemographic characteristics, vaccination status, and awareness and attitudes about COVID-19 vaccination were collected from questionnaires completed by the patients. A total of 173 patients were enrolled in this study, and 124 (71.7%) of them completed the COVID-19 vaccination. Significantly higher vaccination rates were found in male patients, and also in older patients, highly educated patients, and those who lived with one household member. Furthermore, we found significantly higher vaccination rates in patients who had consulted with doctors involved in their treatment, particularly with urologists. A significant association was observed between COVID-19 vaccination and doctor's advice, family member influence, and personal beliefs toward the vaccination. Our study showed multiple associations of patients' sociodemographic characteristics with vaccination rates. Furthermore, consultation with doctors who are particularly involved in oncology treatment and advice received from them were associated with significantly higher vaccination rates among uro-oncology patients.

Cadmium and lead implication in testis cancer; is there a connection?

Testis cancer (TC) is the most common malignancy of young men. Current evidence from studies, alongside genetics and hormonal status, suggests a significant role of toxic metals, cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb), in the origin and development of TC. Besides oxidative stress and endocrine disruption, interaction with bioelements is one of the critical mechanisms of Cd and Pb toxicity and malign transformation. This study aimed to investigate metal levels in blood, healthy, and tumor testis tissue and to reveal hormone, oxidative status, and bioelements levels in patients with TC. The study enrolled 52 patients with TC and 61 healthy volunteers. Toxic metals and bioelements levels were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) while electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) and spectrophotometry methods were used for hormone and oxidative parameters evaluation. Significantly higher blood Cd levels were depicted in TC cohort. Furthermore, blood Cd elevation was associated with a 1.98 higher probability of TC developing. However, a metal concentration between healthy and tumor testis tissue did not differ significantly. Lower levels of estradiol and testosterone, established in a cohort of TC patients, followed the significant role of hormones in TC development. At the same time, ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) has been recognized as a parameter with very good accuracy as a potential diagnostic marker for TC. The study revealed different distribution patterns of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) in the three compartments of the patients, as well significant correlation between essential metals Cu/Zn and toxic metals Cd/Pb indicating metal-metal interactions as pivotal mechanisms of metals toxicity.

Understanding the Male Perspective: Evaluating Quality of Life and Psychological Distress in Serbian Men Undergoing Infertility Treatment.

The experience of an infertility diagnosis and treatment imposes a profound burden on affected individuals, encompassing not only physical and medical aspects but also a plethora of psychological, social, and emotional factors. By employing a multimodal assessment featuring validated self-report questionnaires, physical measurements, and clinical records, the present study aimed to explore the quality of life and psycho-emotional distress of men undergoing infertility treatment in Serbia, thereby addressing the dearth of research on the underrepresented male perspective in this domain. Findings revealed diverse semen abnormalities among participants (n = 96, average age 37.69 ± 5.72), with significant associations between longer treatment durations and reduced sperm motility. The observed rates of men surpassing predetermined DASS-42 questionnaire thresholds for depression, anxiety, and stress in the analyzed cohort were 13.54%, 11.46%, and 22.92%, respectively. Summary scores in conceptual areas comprised in the SF-36 questionnaire ranged from 49.00 ± 6.25 for the mental health dimension to 90.16 ± 17.75 obtained in the physical functioning subscale. Patients with a longer treatment duration demonstrated lower scores in the role emotional domain, indicative of a less favorable emotional state. Expectedly, inverse correlations were found between the SF-36 mental health score and DASS-42 subscales. By addressing the existing knowledge gap and highlighting the unique needs of infertile men, the finding of this study may contribute to a more inclusive and holistic approach to infertility research and management.

The Polymorphisms in GSTO Genes (GSTO1 rs4925, GSTO2 rs156697, and GSTO2 rs2297235) Affect the Risk for Testicular Germ Cell Tumor Development: A Pilot Study.

Members of the omega class of glutathione transferases (GSTs), GSTO1, and GSTO2, catalyze a range of reduction reactions as a part of the antioxidant defense system. Polymorphisms of genes encoding antioxidant proteins and the resultant altered redox profile have already been associated with the increased risk for testicular germ cell cancer (GCT) development. The aim of this pilot study was to assess the individual, combined, haplotype, and cumulative effect of GSTO1rs4925, GSTO2rs156697, and GSTO2rs2297235 polymorphisms with the risk for testicular GCT development, in 88 patients and 96 matched controls, through logistic regression models. We found that carriers of the GSTO1*C/A*C/C genotype exhibited an increased risk for testicular GCT development. Significant association with increased risk of testicular GCT was observed in carriers of GSTO2rs2297235*A/G*G/G genotype, and in carriers of combined GSTO2rs156697*A/G*G/G and GSTO2rs2297235*A/G*G/G genotypes. Haplotype H7 (GSTO1rs4925*C/GSTO2rs2297235*G/GSTO2rs156697*G) exhibited higher risk of testicular GCT, however, without significant association (p > 0.05). Finally, 51% of testicular GCT patients were the carriers of all three risk-associated genotypes, with 2.5-fold increased cumulative risk. In conclusion, the results of this pilot study suggest that GSTO polymorphisms might affect the protective antioxidant activity of GSTO isoenzymes, therefore predisposing susceptible individuals toward higher risk for testicular GCT development.

Treatment options in stage I seminoma.

Seminomas are most commonly diagnosed in clinical stage I (CSI). After orchiectomy, approximately 15% of patients in this stage have subclinical metastases. Adjuvant radiotherapy (ART) delivered to the retroperitoneum and ipsilateral pelvic lymph nodes has been the mainstay of treatment for many years. Although highly efficient, with long-term cancer-specific survival (CSS) rates approaching almost 100%, ART is associated with considerable long-term consequences, particularly cardiovascular toxicity and increased risk of secondary malignancies (SMN). Therefore, active surveillance (AS) and adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) were developed as alternative treatment options. While AS prevents patient overtreatment, it is associated with strict follow-up regimens and increased radiation exposure due to repeated imaging. Due to equivalent CSS rates to ART, and lower toxicity, one course of adjuvant carboplatin presents the cornerstone of chemotherapy for CSI patients. CSS is almost 100% for patients with CSI seminoma, regardless of the chosen treatment option. Therefore, a personalized approach in treatment selection is preferred. Currently, routine radiotherapy for CSI seminoma patients is no longer recommended. Instead, it should be reserved for patients who are unfit or unwilling for AS or ACT. Identification of prognostic factors for disease relapse allowed for the development of risk-adapted treatment strategy and stratification of patients in low-risk and high-risk groups. Although risk-adapted policy needs further validation, surveillance is currently recommended in low-risk patients, while ACT is reserved for patients with a higher risk of relapse.

The Polymorphisms of Genes Encoding Catalytic Antioxidant Proteins Modulate the Susceptibility and Progression of Testicular Germ Cell Tumor.

The simultaneous analysis of redox biomarkers and polymorphisms encoding for regulatory and catalytic antioxidant proteins was performed in order to evaluate their potential role in the development of testicular germ cell tumor (GCT), as well as the progression of the disease. NRF2 (rs6721961), GSTM3 (rs1332018), SOD2 (rs4880) and GPX3 (rs8177412) polymorphisms were assessed in 88 patients with testicular GCT (52 with seminoma) and 88 age-matched controls. The plasma levels of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), thiol groups and the plasma activity of glutathione peroxidase were measured. A significant association between variant GPX3*TC+CC genotype and risk of overall testicular GCT, as well as seminoma development, was found. Moreover, carriers of variant SOD2*TT genotype were at almost 3-fold increased risk of seminoma development. Interestingly, combined SOD2*TT/GPX3*TC+CC genotype conferred a 7-fold higher risk for testicular GCT development. Finally, variant GSTM3*AC+CC genotype was associated with a higher risk for the development of advanced diseased. The presence of assessed genetic variants was not associated with significantly higher levels of redox biomarkers in both testicular GCT patients, as well as in those diagnosed with seminoma. In conclusion, the polymorphic expression of certain antioxidant enzymes might affect susceptibility toward testicular GCT development, as well as the progression of the disease.

Interplay between Comprehensive Inflammation Indices and Redox Biomarkers in Testicular Germ-Cell Tumors.

Sustained and dysregulated inflammation, concurrent tumor-induced immune suppression, and oxidative stress are profoundly involved in cancer initiation, presentation, and perpetuation. Within this prospective study, we simultaneously analyzed the preoperative indices of systemic inflammatory response and the representative byproducts of oxidative DNA, protein, and lipid damage with the aim of evaluating their clinical relevance among patients diagnosed with testicular germ-cell tumors (GCT). In the analytical cohort (n = 88, median age 34 years), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), derived neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (dNLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), systemic inflammation response index (SIRI), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were significantly altered in patients with a higher tumor stage (p < 0.05). Highly suggestive correlations were found between NLR, dNLR, and SII and modified nucleoside 8-OHdG. CRP and albumin-to-globulin ratio (AGR) significantly correlated with thiols group level and maximal tumor dimension (p < 0.05). Based on receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses, all the evaluated pre-orchiectomy inflammation markers demonstrated strong performance in predicting metastatic disease; optimal cut-off points were determined for each indicator. Although further large-scale studies are warranted, inflammatory and redox indices may both complement the established tumor markers and standard clinicopathological prognostic variables and contribute to enhanced personalized risk-assessment among testicular GCT patients.

Prognostic value of Balkan endemic nephropathy and gender on upper tract urothelial carcinoma outcomes after radical nephroureterectomy: A cohort study.

BACKGROUND: To identify the prognostic impact of residence in a BEN-endemic area and gender on upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) outcomes in Serbian patients treated with radical nephroureterectomy (RNU). METHODS: The study included 334 consecutive patients with UTUC. Patients with permanent residence in Balkan endemic nephropathy (BEN) or non-endemic areas from their birth to the end of follow-up were included in the analysis. Cox regression analyses were used to address recurrence-free (RFS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) estimates. RESULTS: Female patients were more likely to have preoperative pyuria (P = 0.01), tumor multifocality was significantly associated with the female gender (P = 0.003). Gender was not associated with pathologic stage and grade, lymph node metastasis, lymphovascular invasion, adjuvant chemotherapy, bladder cancer history, tumor size, distribution of tumor location, preoperative anemia and demographic characteristics. A total of 107 cases recurred, with a median time to bladder recurrence of 24.5 months. History of bladder tumor (HR, 1.98; P = 0.005), tumor multifocality (HR, 3.80; P < 0.001) and residence in a BEN-endemic area (HR, 1.81; P = 0.01) were independently associated with bladder cancer recurrence. The 5-year bladder cancer RFS for the patients from areas of BEN was 77.8 % and for the patients from non-BEN areas was 64.7 %. The 5-year CSS for the men was 66.2% when compared to 66.6% for the women (P = 0.55). CONCLUSIONS: Residence in a BEN-endemic area represents an independent predictor of bladder cancer recurrence in patients who underwent RNU. Gender cannot be used to predict outcomes in a single-centre series of consecutive patients who were treated with RNU for UTUC.

Urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract: preoperative pyuria is not correlated with bladder cancer recurrence and survival.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the impact of preoperative pyuria on the bladder cancer recurrence and survival of patients who were treated surgically for UTUC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Study included 319 consecutive patients who were treated with RNU for UTUC. Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to evaluate the association of preoperative pyuria with outcome. RESULTS: Eighty patients (25.1%) had pyuria. Preoperative pyuria was associated with sex (P = 0.01), tumor focality (P = 0.01), tumor size (P = 0.05), tumor stage (P = 0.01), lymph node metastasis (P = 0.01), lymphovascular invasion (P = 0.02), and chemotherapy (P = 0.04). A total of 102 patients recurred, with a median time to bladder recurrence of 24.2 months. Bladder cancer recurrence-free survival rates for these 319 patients at 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10 years were 84.6, 72.4, 69.0, 68.3, and 68.0%, respectively. Preoperative pyuria was not independently associated with bladder cancer recurrence (HR 1.15; p = 0.5). Preoperative pyuria was associated with OS (HR 1.57; p = 0.02) and CSS (HR 1.65; p = 0.02). However, preoperative pyuria was not independently associated with OS and CSS (HR 1.07; p = 0.79). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative pyuria is unable to predict outcomes in a single-centre series of consecutive patients who were treated with RNU.

Penile fracture: a rare case of simultaneous rupture of the one corpus cavernosum and complete urethral rupture.

INTRODUCTION: Penile fracture is a traumatic rupture of tunica albuginea and the tumescent corpora cavernosa due to the nonphysiological bending of the penile shaft, presenting with or without rupture of corpus pongiosum and urethra. The incidence of concomitant injury of the urethra is 0-38%. Complete urethral rupture is rare, but it is almost always associated with bilateral corporeal injury. CASE REPORT: We presented a patient with complete urethral rupture, and rupture of the right cavernous body. According to the available literature, this case is extremely rare. CONCLUSION: Fracture of the penis is relatively uncommon and is considered a urologic emergency. Prompt surgical explo- ration and repair can preserve erectile and voiding function.